2019-06-03 - The Service Sucks Here

Looking a little worse for the wear Easton wanders into the diner wearing a more casual than usual outfit of gray tee-shirt over a pair of black warm up pants with red sneakers. He takes a booth and asks one of the waitresses for coffee on the way by. After a minute or two of watching the waitress not do anything about his request, he tries again a little louder, "Coffee? Ma'am. Please?" The waitress looks around as if unsure of who he's talking to. Finally Easton has to nod and mouth, 'Yes. You.' at her before she ohs and wanders off somewhere, but sadly not in the direction of the coffee machines. Easton lets out a defeated sigh.

For a June day the weather is still brisk. It comes with living in the Pacific Northwest. The thunderstorms and rain seem relentless but that doesn't deter Erin Addington. She just keeps the top closed on her Maserati. And she parks in handicap slots when she thinks she can get by with it. Just for the limited distance to the door and the reduced chance of stepping in mud. Just inside the door she removes her overcoat and places it over the back of a booth nearest the door so she's not trailing rain water to wherever she seats herself. A quick glance around alerts her to Easton's presence already and she makes her way in his direction, a smile in place as she slides into the booth seat across from him. "Hi," she says breezily, looking like she's slept well and in great health. His worse for wear look though has her hesitating. "Are you okay?"

Looing up with bleary eyes as the door opens, Easton raises a hand when he sees Erin enter. He replies "Morning" to her greeting and gives a bit of a 'heh' chuckle at her question. He says "I'm great. Just a bit hungover, and desperately wishing I could get at least a cup coffee. How are you?" He can obviously see that she looks just peachy, but he gives her a slightly more scrutinizing look than normal.

"I don't know, it's kind of weird." Erin leans in a little as if to divulge some great bit of wisdom. "Since the theater, I've not had a single bad dream or anything. No shadows, nothing odd. I feel refreshed." Though he does bring up a point and she looks around for any waitress. There is a distinct lack of help in the vicinity. Lifting a phone she gives him a lopsided smile as she texts out a message and hits send. "Coffee is on the way." The last assurance given as soon as she receives a response back.

Easton's head tilts as she starts to explain how she's doing. His eyebrows raise up even higher though as she explains. He agrees, "Yup. I agree. That's weird." He pauses and tries to process that and figure out what that could mean, but all he can think is that it's a low sample size and he needs to gather more intel. "But that's good. I mean, I'm sorry you went through that, sounds like Geoff at least owes you a make up date." To say the least.
At her texting for coffee, he laughs and says, "Is there a secret townie app to get service here? Is that how it works?"

The door opens and a larger guy in a hooded jacket steps in, off hand thrust into a pocket. He is wearing a pair of dirty ACU pants with a torn knee and heavy steel-toed workboots that thump when he walks into the diner. Taking a good long moment to scan the room as he walks in, Liam approaches the counter and picks up a menu like it's his first time in the greasy spoon.

It takes a lot to drag Logan out of his house by himself, and as he walks into the Grizzly with a paper bag shoved under one arm and two Styrofoam to-go cups in his hands, his face reads: don't fucking expect this to always happen. But it's probably obvious that he needed the fresh air. Or the money. He stops just inside, swinging a look about the joint before he levels his attention onto Erin, puffs out a sigh, and heads that way. "Here," customer service isn't his forte, apparently. He plunks the two coffee cups down on their table, and sets the bag down too. Inside are blueberry muffins. They are still (sort of) warm. "How much money are we talking about?"

"I promised my first born. It's all that works here." Erin says dead pan before cracking up a little at the joke. Placing her phone aside for the moment, she focuses mostly on Easton. Except when the door opens. There's a glance over, a face she doesn't recognize, a once over out of curiosity and then it's back to Easton. "There's plenty of time for more dates. I can't blame him for what happened that night." Then the door opens again and she smiles brightly when she sees who it is, despite his seeming grumpiness. Reaching inside her wallet, she tugs out several bills and folds them before sliding them over to Logan. It looks to be about 4 20's. "I owe you. If you ever need a favor, just ask." She means it and she's friendly about it.

"Ah. That sounds about right for this town." Promising your first born kind of goes along with shadow monsters and nightmares coming to life. He laughs along though because it's still funny if darkly so. He regards her a little confused and says, "Funny. I would have thought the Erin I remember would hold a grudge. But people change." And then he watches as she pulls out way too much money to pay someone to deliver food to a place that sells food because it was more 'convenient' and hangs his head down for a moment before shaking his head and saying with another wry smile, "Or.. not." He gives Logan a somewhat embarrassed nod.

Liam's entrance also doesn't go unnoticed, he looks familiar, but Easton doesn't get a good enough look at him before he sits down to make the connection.

Logan apparently has no shame, because he takes those four twenties without a blink and shoves them in the pocket of his jeans. "A favor from an Addington," he remarks dully. "Just what I always wanted. It's like Christmas." He folds his arms across his chest and volleys a glance between Easton and Erin, though the latter gets most of his attention. His brows climb up as he adds: "I saw you at the theater. With Geoff. You guys were on a date? Bet old Mrs. Addington loved that." It's said in a tone of voice that suggests Mrs. Addington probably didn't love that. But then again, does he really have any room to talk, considering who he is rumored to be going on dates with? Probably not.

Liam slowly sits himself down at a barstool along the formica bar at the back, a hand pushing the jacket hood off of his head and revealing himself. He, too, waits for a waitress, tapping the corner of the menu on the tabletop.

"It really does, but the jokes on them. I don't really plan on having a first born." Erin says in an aside to Easton. "Something I heard once. If you have a baby you won't be the baby. I have no desire to displace myself in the whole hierarchy of the Addingtons." Erin retorts still in good humor. The sarcasm from Logan isn't missed, but it amuses her right up until he mentions Geoff. "Careful there." Sitting up a little straighter, she lifts her chin as if accepting some unspoken challenge. "It was a date and no my grandmother doesn't know. Yet. She's been really busy since that night." Now she looks away, balancing Geoff and her Grandmother wasn't going to be easy, she knew that. She makes no mention of who he is dating though, just finds a smile again. "I do appreciate you bringing this over. The customer service here leaves a lot to be desired." Finally, she looks back to Easton and grins. "Or not.." she echoes his sentiments. Liam gets another glance, not really knowing him, but curious about the outsider.

Well that's helpful, when random people both bring coffee and ask questions that you were intending to ask. Easton just sips his coffee and tries to pretend like he wasn't extremely interested in how Erin's family was going to take the idea of Geoff and her together. He lets out a soft heh again at Erin's admission that some people don't change. He then excuses himself to go behind the counter and grab an order pad. He scribbles something on it and slaps it on the counter to the kitchen. With that done, he places it down on the counter by Liam, "It might be a while for a waitress, but the kitchen is usually quick." And now that he's facing him, it dawns on him where he knows the face from. "Oh. You do PT round here, right? Hey." He gives Erin a friendly one minute gesture as he stops for a minute by Liam.

Logan lifts his own chin in response, but he doesn't actually rise to whatever challenge that Erin's throwing out there. "Interesting," is all he has to say about that. As for her grandmother being busy that evening, he just shrugs. "It was a pretty fucking crazy night. I for one am never going to the fucking theater again," he mumbles something under his breath, and then takes a step back. "But yeah, sure. I'm not in the habit of making deliveries, but I was looking for something to do." He shrugs his shoulders. It's a lie.

Overhearing that the customer service is sub-par, Liam turns on his barstool at the counter and looks at the few other patrons in the place. He doesn't see anyone that looks like they work here, so that forehead of his crinkles in consternation. Squinting as Easton moves about, as he gives waitress advice, the bigger man nods, "Thanks." As the last, pointed question is given his way, he nods toward Easton, "Yeah, over at the hospital. Have we met?"

Watching as Easton gets to his feet and moves over to help Liam, Erin smirks, "Such a nice guy," she tells Logan. It's then she reaches for the bag and tugs out a muffin. The bag is folded and slid in front of Easton's place before she takes up the coffee and opens it, taking a sip of the 'much better than Grizzly Den' coffee. As the conversation, or the challenge of it, sort of diffuses itself, Erin visibly relaxes. Apparently her family's acceptance of Geoff isn't something she is prepared for yet. "It was insane. I don't know though, it's happened to me a couple of times now. One was the theater and one was on Tobin's boat so I'm pretty sure it can happen anywhere. No need to stay away from the theater for ir. Unless you just don't prefer it." Somehow, she finds her smile again. "I do appreciate you taking time from your day. This is much better than the greasy spoon stuff here. I do wonder though, does someone actually have to rent a room there to stop by for breakfast? Or is it open to paying patrons. For future reference."

"Right." Easton confirms the hospital as where he also does his PT and he extends a hand to Liam, "Easton. I don't think we've ever actually talked. I'm usually the guy crying in the corner as a tiny woman in lycra yells at me to do more leg lifts." Okay, so he only cried that one time. Look it was an emotional day. And he might have been drunk at PT. Anyway.

Yelling from the kitchen causes him to glance over as a small blond lady swears about who wrote this ticket, they used all the wrong abbreviations and she can't fucking read it. He shrugs at Liam and says, "Well, good meeting you for real." And then he's headed back to his table with Erin and sits back down, looking at the bakery bag, and pushing it aside. "Sorry, I'm here for The Full Grizzly and no mere muffin is going to suffice." He looks to Logan and says, "But I appreciate the prompt service."

"I prefer to stay in my house," Logan remarks. "Emily prefers the theater. I told her going would be a mistake." And look who was right. Logan was. He takes another step back as Easton rejoins the table, brows climbing again. Mere muffin? Mere muffin?! These were going to be the best muffins you've ever put in your MOUTH, Easton. "Well, whatever. Hope the cook back there isn't the one with the hand scabs," he says to Easton, and then levels a look back to Erin. "I don't run a restaurant," is his response. "But if you want breakfast some time, just let me know. It was .. nice seeing you, Erin," he remembers his manners at least.

Taking the offered hand, the firefighter Liam squeezes it and shakes twice before releasing, "Thought I recognized you. Nice to meet you, I'm Liam." Giving the man a chin-nod as he moves away back to his date, Liam watches for a moment before politely turning his attention away, back to the search for a waitress.

"I much prefer the muffins and having food cooked by someone I know." Erin only sounds a little snobby at that, but it's in Logan's favor, not the cook of the Grizzly. Her nose crinkles when hand scabs are mentioned and Easton gets a perfect 'I told you so' look. "I'll do that, call ahead or something before stopping in. Thanks, Logan. And these are wonderful." Of course she's heard the introduction from Liam then and glances between him and Easton. "You can invite him over, I won't be too condescending you know. Gosh, I think you're keeping your friends away from me deliberately." Again, amused at everything.

The 'whatever' and jab about the cook cause Easton to grin broadly at Logan. Well, aren't you just a ray of sunshine, mopey mc-townerness. He shrugs and says, "I've risked worse for decent pancakes." He is at least grateful to have the muffin for a fallback plan though. At the comment about Liam, he laughs and says, "A. I just him. And B. You're with Geoff, so I can't imagine you being any closer to my 'friends'." He does however call out, "Hey Liam. Want to join us? I can offer you at least a muffin while we wait? Apparently made with non-scabbed hands." Wow, way to sell that muffin.

Logan is a ray of sunshine, thank you! Actually he's like a fucking dark cloud of thunder and rain and lightning, but he throws on a pleasant smile that makes him look halfway human. "This place has gone to shit since I stopped working here," is all he has to say about that. Nevermind that he got fired for being a drunk, according to the rumors. He's not a drunk right now! "Anyway, have a good breakfast. Whenever you.. you know. Get it. I got.. shit to do." In his house. He turns on his heel and heads out the door.

Turning on his stool once more, Liam looks over at Easton-and-girlfriend's table, being hesitant to really join anyone that he doesn't know. Small town people, especially Outsiders, can be self-isolating like that. Given the slow service in the diner, however, it seems like the best option. "Sure, why not," he grumbles to himself as he stands up from the stool, taking the menu, and crosses toward the table in which Easton and Erin sit. As he nears, he nods towards Erin, "Hullo."

Erin waves Logan a cheerful goodbye and commences to eat her muffin, even daring to use the Grizzly Den tiny butter packages on the table for the outsider food. Apparently it's good, a sigh of contentment likely over exaggerated over the taste before chasing it with a drink of coffee. There's no guilt in eating in front of Easton though and finally she pauses long enough to carry on the conversation after Liam arrives. "I'm Erin Addington, I don't think I've ever seen you in town before." To the point. Then to Easton, just as to the point. "Oh I'm not his girlfriend. Or we've not come to that point or anything. We haven't labeled anything. Besides I think you own his heart. And other parts of him." A soft laugh and it's back to a bite of the muffin again.

Sliding the muffin over for Liam, in case he wants it Easton glances up to make sure his food isn't waiting at the window, considering he's apparently playing the role of his own waiter today. He notes with interest that Liam's not a local, but doesn't comment on it. He just adds, "Liam and I have PT at the same place. But, haven't actually met before this morning." He raises two hands at Erin's explanation. "Sorry, didn't mean to jump the gun on that. But, I gotta say, I'm ... impressed. I woulda thought you wouldn't give him a chance." He laughs easily at the part about owning Geoff's heart and other body parts. "Some things are just too strong to fight."

Turning to Liam he adds, "You new here too? I've only been here a few weeks."

A severe shift of Liam's eyebrow as it hikes up, shooting a look at Easton in very clear question, "I don't think that /we're/ at that sort of point, either." After a good five seconds of looking at Easton as he provides explanation against that innuendo, he says toward Erin and Easton both as he regard the muffin, "Thanks... and no, not from here. Just moved here. I was born and raised in Wishkah."

The muffin given over, Erin tilts her head and regards Easton with that one act of generosity. 'So, you invited me here for a reason. Was it to fish and see if I was dating your man crush or was there something else?" Lips quirk in a half smile, though she can't help but to notice Liam's reaction. Laughing, she ducks her head and applies more butter to the muffin. "How can I describe Easton? I think Easton meets no strangers. How could he when there's no one stranger than he is?" A gentle ribbing his way. "What brings you to Gray Harbor then?" Finally directing the question Liam's way.

"Therapy after surgery," Liam says with a quiet smile, starting to slowly unwrap the muffin with thick, stained fingers. "Tore it up on the job, had a tree hit me and twist it, tore my MCL," comes the explanation along with a shrug, "Have to do a few weeks of physical to get back to one-hundred-percent. Government insurance mandates convalescent leave in the meantime, so I am doing light-duty until cleared. So you're an Addington?" He doesn't sound surprised.

"I see." Erin offers quietly, sliding the butter packages between them so he could have some for his muffin also. Her own bites are interspersed with the drinks of coffee. "At least it gives you time to heal. What sort of job is it you do to get hurt like that?" Twin brows arch then furrow a little when his question comes. Mostly the tone with it. That unsurprised one. "I'm an Addington, yes. There are plenty of us around, but if you want to meet the more important ones, then you just did." Leaving it at that all of five seconds before laughing in a self deprecating manner. "Actually, my uncle is Mayor, his daughter Felicity is a teacher. My Grandmother is the boss though, so if one wants to be in good standing with the Addingtons it's her hurdles that one has to jump over." It is what it is and she shrugs lightly. Her phone chirps at her and she turns it over and smiles as she taps out a quick response on her phone.

Having taken a quick break from the conversation to retrieve his food from the counter, lest a waitress misdeliver it to another table, Easton now returns with multiple plates of food. A full stack of pancakes, eggs, hashbrowns, toast and bacon. He sets that down and tries to reassure Liam, "Don't worry, she's talking about Geoff, my hetero life partner." Granted the hetero part of that description is only true in the very strictest of senses but still. As he pours syrup on this, salts that and butters toast he finally replies to Erin about why he asked her here. "Yea. Actually I just wanted to apologize for being a raging asshat as a kid." He sighs and says, "I mostly blocked it out, but I was a complete dick to you."

Liam picks a pinch of muffin and tastes it, chewing slowly as he nods to the conversation going on, "I work for the Forestry, on the fire-fighting teams." He doesn't comment to how Erin presents herself, just giving a nod of acknowledgement to her, "Cool." As Easton sits down with a full breakfast, Liam blinks, "You... where'd you get that?"

"There you go," Erin tells Liam as Easton comes back. "Breakfast of champions. Scabbed hands optional." Admittedly, it smells good and she gives it a longing look for a moment before going back to her muffin. Until her phone chimes again. She taps out another text and sends it. Then quickly sends another one right after. "Fire fighting. That's a heroic occupation." A touch of admiration there in her voice. With the apology issued she sits there in silence a moment, regarding Easton now before smiling. "We were kids Easton. I think you saved us both from something we likely would have regretted later. Like now."

First bite of pancake halfway to his mouth Easton stops and indicates the order pad left on the counter. He says, "I wrote my own order and put it in. I would suggest the same since the waitress is apparently on break or left for the day." He doesn't seem bothered by the scabbed hands comment as he plows into his food with aplomb. It's ... disconcerting. He may have been raised in an upper class environ like Erin, but boy does it not show in his current table manners. He does stop to drink some coffee and nod at Liam's occupation. He then laughs at Erin, "No, not that. I was the dick who started the rumors about you and D&D nerd fucking. And the football the team. And that you might have man bits. Like I said. I was an asshole, and though I'm sure your town-princess title remained perfectly in tact, I still feel bad about being a little twat who was so concerned about saving face over something dumb.." He doesn't return to his attack on the plates of food though, waiting to see how Erin responds.

"Yeah, well," Liam shrugs to Erin's comment about his profession, not really being the type that seems to puff up and brag about it in company. As the other two talk, he methodically picks apart and eats the muffin made with dirty hands as if dirty hands are just a part of life to be expected and accepted. Considering Easton's breakfast advice, Liam does rather abruptly stand up from the table, muttering something about returning in a moment, as he walks over to the counter and leans over it to say through the kitchen window, "Hey. Yeah, hi. Could I get the All-American? Wheat, dry, over-easy with cheese on the hashbrowns? Thanks." Turning back to the table, Liam stops and pours himself a cup of java to take back with him. Serve-yourself day at the diner, it seems.

Geoff comes strolling into the Diner, stopping by the counter first off to call back towards the kitchen "Hashbrowns, cheese and onions, order of sausage and get me a coffee." He is obviously a regular here, after that he glances around till he spots the cool kids table, grabbing an empty chair or if there isn't one pulling up a chair so he can join them "Hey there guys, what's up?"

The confession surprises her, it's very visible on Erin's features and for just the blink of a moment there's hurt there until there's not. "FUCK!" Then in a more flippant tone. "I had a hit put on the wrong person for that." Idly she sips her coffee before adding. "My bad." And that's all she has to say about that. About anything really, until Geoff shows up. She's seated across from Easton and when he comes over she gives him a tight smile. "Hey, glad you could make it." The question of the text messages suddenly answered.

The cook in the kitchen just swears in return at the customers, but does at least seem to start cooking something, so maybe that's a good sign? Maybe.

Easton grimaces and gives a shrug at Erin, but laughs about her hit. He nods and says, "Well, if it makes you feel any better they probably deserved it, whoever they were." He goes back to eating, again with a bit more gusto than polite and doesn't even stop when Geoff appears. He gets the merest of head nods while Easton plows through multiple plates of food. Apparently trying to end a hangover with as much carbs and fat as he can possibly stuff in his mouth as fast as he possibly can.

Therrrrrrrre's a tension at the table, Liam notes, when he returns. So, instead of just moving to sit down like the one stranger at the table that only tangentially knows /one/ person (and that's dubious).. he somewhat just starts to lean over and reclaim the picked-apart half muffin there as he looks from person to person. "Hi," he says in that deep voice of his, mostly to the new face Geoff, but also as a test to see if things are alright here.

The muffin is suddenly more interesting than it should be, especially applying butter to it before taking a bite. As careless as Easton is with his food at the moment, Erin is the polar opposite, taking way more care than necessary. Pointedly, the comment from Easton is ignored though Liam gets a flash of a smile. "Hi, did you get your order in alright?"

Geoff settle in besides Erin, and leans against the table as he looks between the faces "So what did I walk in on? This looks like some awkward as fuck shit going on." Yep he just throws that out there as he waits to see what comes of it. Surprise surprise it isn't long before a waitress is bringing Geoff out a cup of coffee, and in return he is tipping her there on the spot as if to reward her for doing her job.

Easton had hoped the joke about putting out a hit meant she was going to forgive and move past. He may have miscalculated. Badly. He swallows as both Geoff and Liam are a bit faster to pick up on the shift in mood. Hey, there was food he got distracted, okay? He non-explains to Geoff, "Oh. I was an asshole to Erin, when we met. And uh, apparently she didn't realize how much of an ass I was. Or am. Not sure." He gives his best 'Maybe-Not-An-Asshole-Smile' and it fails. Dick.

Liam looks at Easton, just plunging right in with the question, "Is this her boyfriend?" It's like he has no couth, no manners, or maybe it's just because he is just that blunt with people. Turning to Geoff, Liam sticks his big hand out, "Liam, nice to meet ya. Just meeting everyone, new to town, that sort of boring story. Nice folks, shared a muffin with me... but I'll need that big breakfast that the cook's hopefully putting together." He thumbs over his shoulder toward the kitchen window.

"Hi Geoff, I'm glad to see you." Of course watching the waitress approach and deliver something doesn't cease to amaze her. "Looks like they have a preference for nice guys." Point for Erin. Easton's explanation earns him a withering look and she reaches for a napkin to wipe her hands on. This one doesn't end with a smile though, apparently she's holding a grudge for the moment despite Easton's attempt. Bitch.

Geoff cracks a wry grin "Not sure if it's nice guys or just that I'm a regular and learned how to order here a while ago." sipping his coffee he offers a faint dip of his head to Liam "Welcome to town, Liam." after another glance between Easton and Erin he asks "Are we going to need to set up a time for you guys to settle this in the octagon or what?"

Watching his trying to smooth it over smile go down poorly only causes Easton to laugh a bit and go back to eating. He shakes his head at Geoff's question and says, "No, but maybe I can be her punching bag during a workout or something? I've already taken my shots." He doesn't seem to mind the frosty awkwardness though, at least his appetite doesn't seem to slow.

The back and forth between the three causes Liam to just straighten at the back of the chair he was sitting at, seemingly deciding that he won't sit. "Thanks. Right then," the big guy says, turning back to look at the kitchen, "It was... nice meeting you all." To Easton specifically, he nods his chin, "Good luck with PT. Maybe see ya there." It's always painful to be in socially awkward situations, but thankfully, the firefighter has an out. The kitchen cook hollars through the window that his breakfast is up. That draws him, after a nod to the trio, back toward the bar-counter.

Something comes to mind and Erin perks a little. "You can be my punching bag. I just learned a few new things the other day." Finally, she relents a little and smiles towards him, but this time it's guarded, not openly playful like before. All she's going to eat of her muffin is finished and she places it on a napkin and slides it over a little to concentrate on her coffee and the others at the table. Liam is given a wry look. "Girlfriend? We don't label things really. Now Easton here and Geoff, they have a thing going." This time there's teasing in her expression. "It was nice meeting you, I'm sorry that you seem to have caught us at a bad time."

"She's right, what Easton and I share is very special." Geoff says with no small amount of amusement, looking ready to say somethng else when wonder of wonders his food is actually being delivered to the table "So if you guys resort to using him as a punching bag, I want to be there it should be a pretty amusing."

Easton can only nod very seriously to the point about him and Geoff's relationship. This is just truth. He manages to polish off the first plate of food and is on to the second when Erin chimes in that she's open to punching him. He nods and says, "Just name the time and place. I'm game." He does hesitate for a second though and add, "But not prison rules. Above the belt only and no eye gouging." Geoff is apparently the one teaching her how to fight.

Liam gives a wave to Erin's words, a "fuhgetabouttit" type of dismissal. He steps away and gets his food, sits down at the counter to dig in and get the hell out of there sooner rather than later.

"Oh but can I scratch and pull hair?" Erin asks in her best girly voice possible. "Actually, Geoff is going to teach me self defense. Maybe we'll all three do something, some sort of training together? It's better to be practiced up instead of not be, especially lately. Though I'm not exactly sure that's the kind of training we really need to do. It seems everything that comes for us is more supernatural than anything." Erin's voice is suitably lowered for it.

"I'm good with that, it's why I keep my hair short." He rubs at his head, which is probably long enough to pull if you really tried hard enough. When Erin starts talking a little more seriously, he slows down on eating. He frowns and says, "Honestly any training helps. And the good news, at least for me is if you are carrying, guns and knives work just as well in those dreams." He thinks about it for a second and says, "If you don't know how to shoot, I'd recommend that too." This is said to both of them, in equally low tones.

Geoff bumps his shoulder to Erin's and turns his plate so as to offer her a sausage as he tells Easton "Man, she doesn't offer to scratch and pull my hair at all, you're lucky." a mischievous grin pulling at his lips at this. Gesturing to Easton with his fork he says "You can't call it a fight if you put sissy rules up like that." Faux whispering to Erin he shares "Now you know where he doesn't want to get hit, you can use that against him. He'll either favor defending those places unreasonably or be extremely nervous."

"I could probably stand to learn a lot of things. Besides that new fire thing I learned." Pleased with herself for that one. "I can go to the range or something and see about lessons there too." A smile is offered to Geoff and she shakes her head, "No thank you. I had a muffin that was really good. And coffee. Breakfast was good." Leaning in just a little, not to crowd him, but to pretend she's going to nip at him, she returns, "I just bite you."

"Don't worry, I'll grow my nails out just for you big guy." Because that's what you do. He of course is bluffing because even slightly long nails would drive him up a wall. He does wince though at Geoff telling her to go after his bits and eyeballs though. "Not cool man." He looks back to Erin though and nods, "I can teach you to shoot. If ya like. I don't think carrying a little purse gun is a bad idea, if you're not opposed." He doesn't mention where he keeps his 'purse gun', a lady has to have her secrets or something.

"But, I'll admit guns aren't always as effective as I'd like. Turns out shooting a guy in a bunny suit in the head ain't always fatal." ... That's quite a statement. "But who knows when what rules hold true?"

Geoff takes that faux nip as an excuse to steal a small kiss with a roguish grin, "Biting isn't bad." with a wry expression he looks back to Easton "Look you use a gun /once/ to hold up a liquor store and the government comes in and tells you that you can't use one again for life. It's absolute bullshit." This is of course said sarcastically, but there is a hint of annoyance there at his inability to carry "The bunny dude, did you double tap? You always gotta double tap."

Kisses and a roguish earn Geoff a smile and a brief head tilt to rest it on his shoulder, as if a small hug. Then Erin is back upright, mind working. There was that little thing about guns and Geoff being around them. Then it dawns on her that she can't own one with him around and she quickly inserts her change of mind. "Yeah, I'd rather learn to use other kinds of weapons than to rely on a gun. Thank you for offering though. I'll just take those self defense lessons with more hand to hand, because in dreams that's mostly all I have anyway."

Easton laughs as Geoff gives him the backstory on both why he was in prison and why he doesn't have a gun. He pffts, "Fuckin' government." He also knows that Geoff is wanting to stay on the outside so he doesn't offer a spare gun that may or may not have clear providence, yet. He looks at little offended at Geoff's other question. "The Marines invented the controlled sequence. Are you actually implying I didn't properly dispatch my zombie bunny? That's hurtful." Easton nods to Erin's comments. "It's a good idea to be as prepared as you can. As much as you can prepare for this nonsense."

Geoff bumps his head fondly to Erin's during that moment he finds hers on his shoulder. After her head is lifted he reaches across the table to clap Easton's hand beneath his "Man, I'd never doubt your ability to properly dispatch a zombie bunny, but it's my job as your bro to make sure. Just like making sure you use a fake name when you go on a tinder date." back to Erin he says "Don't let me keep you from getting a gun, babe. I just wouldn't be able to chill at your place as much, or in your car if you had it there. There are a number of ways you can take care of a guy especially with our talents without one though."

"That's fair." Easton's eyes shoot off to the side in a tell-tale, crap I do not in fact use a fake name on Tinder. That's a much better idea. Dammit. It's a very telling look. He stops short for a minute as Geoff mentions their talents. "Wait. Did you say you can light fires? Cause I don't think I can do that. That's awesome." He still hasn't really figured out exactly what categories of things are, and that people can do differing levels of things. He just knows he can't do some things he's seen other people do, and that most people seem to have way more control than he does. "I might need some remedial being a crazy-pants spark person rundown at some point."

Geoff nods his head idly "Yeah we can set fires, it's pretty useful, also can do this." holding up his fork, he concentrates and with a flicker of his power the tips of the tines fall off, cleanly severed from the utensil. With a mischievous grin he goes back to his hashbrowns which by now have been doctored with hot sauce and ketchup "It's pretty damn useful in a fight. I could also fix it up with my shit, but pointless uses of glimmer should be limited to once a week." Of course all this is said casually and lowly enough so it doesn't leave the table or arouse suspicion

Hmm. Easton makes a small grunt as Geoff severs part of a fork. He is learning all kinds of things. This actually is also the first time he's heard the word 'glimmer' spoken out loud. He quirks an eyebrow and says, "Well fuck. Makes it hard to practice if I have to limit it's use." He doesn't have to ask now why it should be limited though. He knows at least a little more about things that want to get their hands on him, and what attracts them. He's learning! Yay. He takes out his wallet and throws down some money, mostly in small bills (bartending!) to cover his meal.

"Anyway. Thanks for hearing me out Erin, and I am, really, sorry." But he doesn't expect her to forgive him, at least without a bit of a fight. He slaps Geoff's shoulder and says, "Drinking. Soon." It's not quite a goodbye, but close.

Geoff chuckles "Yeah it's a bit hard to practice with restraint but you gotta do it a little bit at a time and also work on yourself. It might sound cliche but I found meditation worked for me." Aiming a lazy punch at Easton's shoulder he says "You got it man, we'll hit the town soon and have a night of beer, whiskey and more beer."

Geoff is currently sitting beside Erin at a table, the two talking quietly amongst themselves as he eats a rather large plate of hashbrowns and sausage. The man is wearing his rather typical clothing of jeans, an old tee and a hoodie that seems to be miraculously dry despite the wet weather outside.

Alexander shuffles his way in from the front door. He goes to the counter and makes two orders, one for eat in, and one ready for carry out. In this case, his is going to be chicken-fried steak, hashbrowns, and green beans. And a soda, of course. He's wearing HIS typical clothing of a ratty, Black Sabbath t-shirt, jeans, and work boots. He glances around the interior, looking for a place to sit. Seeing Geoff and Erin, he frowns and walks in that direction. Hide now! "Mister Turner. Miss Addington. You look alive. Good." He stares at Geoff for a moment longer than Erin. "Thank you."

Erin had fallen silent, probably too silent though, even going so far as tuning out a few things as she had sat in thought. A few things though, had penetrated that self induced solo moment. "I don't think I've ever actually eaten anything from here." It's a random thought and spoken almost absently before she notices the arrival of Alexander. "Hi," she offers to him with a tentative smile.

Geoff catches that longer look and the thank you, the thank you puzzling him slightly but then again every thing about the doomsayer puzzles him. Offering his fist out to the man he says "Want to join us? Seems Erin's been holding court here, might as well come and chat with us." looking to Erin he says "That's alright by you, isn't it babe?"

Alexander is not wearing a sweater with conveniently long sleeves with which to cover his hands, so he's cruel enough to leave Geoff hanging on the fistbump. But he does jerk his head in a nod, and slide down into the seat across from them - although Erin is given a wary look, first. But assuming she doesn't deny him the table, he sits. "Hello Miss Addington," he mutters as his soda is delivered. He wraps both hands around it. "The food is good. Except the omelettes. Are you both well?"

"Oh of course, it's good to see you Alexander." Erin is comfortable where she is and when she gets a text message she checks her phone before pushing it back, leaving the text unanswered for now. "Usually I eat at my grandmothers in the evenings. Or lately, takeout." Shifting a look to Geoff at that, an impish smile with it. However, the question she does take more seriously. "So far. Geoff was wounded but I escaped it this time. How about you?"

Geoff makes a dismissive gesture "It wasn't that bad, it was barely a scratch. Been doing well other then that though." with a smile offered toward Erin Geoff mentions "You know takeout in the evening is nice, but you can't go leaving your grandmother to eat by herself. Isn't she curious about what you've been up to as of late?"

"I was set on fire. But it's not infected. It'll heal." Alexander reaches out for his cup and drinks some soda. "Don't let Easton try first aid when he's drunk. It's painful. But kind." He considers the two of them and the conversation. "It's important to stay in touch with family. But," he eyes Geoff somewhat dubiously, "reasons why not to, as well."

"I see my grandmother every day. She may have an idea why but she's not asked. And I've not volunteered." Erin shrugs a little. "Sometimes my grandmother doesn't need to know all my private life." There's a curious look as she imagines Easton trying to mend someone while drunk. "If you ever need any help with something like that, Alexander, with being healed or mended or anything. Please call me. I can give you my number." Her smile inches up as she smiles at Geoff, "She wonders sometimes. It's fine."

"As long as you don't get in trouble." Geoff says with a smile before Alexander is stealing his attenton once more "Yeah man, you shouldn't really let Easton fuck with you when he's drunk. Sober I have no doubt he can hold his own when it comes to first aid, not so much for drunk. If you ever need someone to patch you up I can also help, I'm sure you got a file on me with my number." this statement is accompanied by a look that says he knows that Alexander knows

Alexander blinks a couple of times, clearly taken aback by Erin's offer. "I don't...I think..." he trails off into confusion, and then just jerks his head in a nod. Albeit with a touch of suspicion, watching her as if expecting the number to be some variation on a prank. When Geoff also offers, he just looks bewildered. "I have the parlor number. Private numbers tend to be harder - only worth it when I suspect the target of wrong-doing, or I need to find a way to tap into the GPS." He recites his phone number to them both, and adds, "I sometimes can help with things. If you want."

And then, as if this brief show of camaraderie is too much to be trusted, Alexander stands up with an abrupt jerk and retreats, grabbing both of his food orders to go, instead, and fleeing into the day.

"I hope I'm beyond the bounds of trouble for who I am dating. I'm 26." Though Erin knows her grandmother likely keeps close tabs on her and that sort of thing. "Besides, you're worth any trouble I'd get into." A smile tugging and making an appearance for Geoff. It's Alexanders reaction to her offer that alters the smile some. It's more rueful when she tries to reassure him. "So much has happened in this town recently. You've stood shoulder to shoulder with many of us and fought back. We're all doing all we can. We're all on the same side." Reaching for her phone she taps in his number to add contact and without thinking, she snaps a picture as she always does, to assign the number a photo to appear when that person calls her. Once she's added the contact, she texts out a message really quick and hits send.

Geoff polishes off the last of his hashbrowns and pushes the plate away from himself "Want to get going now? I don't know about you, but I could go for a little bit of fresh air and maybe a walk." with a mischievous grin he adds "And I think if we stay here any longer we're bound for something too weird happening, best not to press our luck."

"Definitely, lets get out of here." It was Alexanders phone that alerts him to a text message. Erin had messaged him to let him know her number. Getting to her feet, she pockets her phone and offers a smile in response to that grin of his. "This is Gray Harbor. Every turn we make has a chance of that. Let's be a moving target though. I'm ready."